Williams Valley’s football team was trying to shake off a turbulent week Friday night at Men of Marian Stadium on Stan Dakosty Field.

The Vikings (7-1) took Marian to task in a hurry, solidifying the No. 2 seed in the upcoming District 11 Class 2A tournament — despite the resignation of head coach Stephen Sedesse and his father, an assistant coach, earlier in the week.

The turmoil made headlines, but it didn’t slow the Vikings on the field. Williams Valley roared out to a 28-3 halftime lead and never looked back in a 56-10 victory. The loss dropped Marian to 5-3 and could slightly impact its Class 1A subregional seeding.

There was an early spark for the Colts when Jah Bushati booted a career-long 36-yard field goal to open the scoring. Marian took advantage of a Williams Valley fumble on a punt just five plays into the game, and though the drive stalled, Bushati’s kick gave the home crowd some early energy.

It didn’t last long. Williams Valley responded immediately, marching 57 yards in five plays before senior quarterback Brady Shomper powered in from two yards out. Quin Smeltz added the first of his eight extra points.

The Vikings’ defense then came up big, stopping Marian on a fourth-and-1 try near midfield. On the next play, Shomper connected with Bryce Zilinski on a 50-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-3. The senior signal-caller was perfect through the air, completing all six passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns while adding 58 yards rushing and another score.

“We wanted to hang around in the first half and build some momentum,” said Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek. “They weren’t a good matchup for us with that size up front. They’re so talented — they’ve got speed, they can pass, and they’ve got weapons all over the field. I was hoping we could stay close, but you saw how good that team is.”

Williams Valley added two more scores before halftime. Shomper hit Evan Achenbach on a 5-yard strike, and sophomore Fletcher Thompson sprinted in from nine yards out after breaking off a 40-yard run earlier in the drive. Thompson finished with 142 rushing yards on just 11 carries as the Vikings built its 28-3 halftime cushion.

The visitors picked up where they left off to start the second half, driving 53 yards in five plays before Shomper raced 34 yards to the end zone. Trevon Bair added a 4-yard scoring run to make it 49-3, and Cole Hubler closed out the night with a 29-yard touchdown run.

Marian finally broke through in the fourth quarter when Rory Dixon capped a 10-play, 64-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. Dixon led the Colts with 40 yards rushing on 16 carries, while Tristan Kotsko added 32 yards and Tyler Price, moving from receiver to running back, contributed 28.

Williams Valley rolled up 457 total yards — 256 on the ground and 201 through the air — in one of its most complete efforts of the season.

“It was a brutal stretch — three top-10 Double-A teams in the state, back-to-back-to-back,” O’Gurek said. “We’ve got to get healthy, regroup and finish strong.”

GROUND GAME … Thompson’s 142 yards came on just 11 carries. Shomper added 58, while Bair and Hubler combined for 56.

THROUGH THE AIR … Shomper was 6-for-6 for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

MISSING IN ACTION … Rocco Griguoli and Jake Tom sat out with injuries but are expected back for next week’s game.

LOOKING AHEAD … Marian travels to Pine Grove next week and finishes the regular season at home Thursday, Oct. 23, against Nativity.

DOUBLE TROUBLE … The turmoil in Williams Valley’s camp reached a boiling point. Parents and players reportedly took issue with Sedesse and his father, who own a plumbing business, leading to threats and vandalism — including the coach’s vehicle being damaged. The story reportedly reached Sports Illustrated. All this after a loss to Schuylkill Haven — a team that could win the state title.

Williams Vy. 56, Marian 10

Williams Vy. 7 21 21 7 - 56

Marian 3 0 0 7 - 10

MC – Bushati 36 FG

WV – Shomper 2 run (Smeltz kick)

WV – Zilinski 50 pass from Shomper (Smeltz kick)

WV – Achenbach 5 pass from Shomper (Smeltz kick)

WV – Thompson 9 run (Smeltz kick)

WV – Shomper 34 run (Smeltz kick)

WV – Bair 4 run (Smeltz kick)

WV – Lord 8 pass from Shomper (Smeltz kick)

MC – Dixon 4 run (Bushati kick)

WV – Hubler 29 run (Smeltz kick)